Don't look now, but the Bolts are the third consecutive opponent -- and fourth in the past five games -- held under 260 total yards.

So what's different about Denver's defense?

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For starters, nose tackle Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton has been an unblockable behemoth on the interior over the past six weeks. First-round draft pick Sylvester Williams has improved steadily since replacing Kevin Vickerson in the defensive line rotation in late November.

Second-year defensive tackle Malik Jackson has been one of the league's most effective interior pass rushers. Thirty-six year-old veteran Paris Lenon has solidified the middle, and strong-side linebacker Nate Irving has held his own as Miller's replacement.

All of the hype leading up to the AFC Championship Game will justifiably concentrate on future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Don't be surprised, though, if the decisive matchup is the Denver's revamped front seven against the New England's steamrolling ground attack.